Sebastian County, Circuit Clerk Candidates Face Off At Forum

Tuesday

Restoring order to the circuit clerk's office was a key discussion point Monday during a candidate forum focused on the races for Sebastian County circuit clerk and county clerk.

Restoring order to the circuit clerk’s office was a key discussion point Monday during a candidate forum focused on the races for Sebastian County circuit clerk and county clerk.

Denora Coomer, circuit court administrator for the county, and Kathy Guthrie, chief deputy circuit clerk, are running for circuit clerk in the Nov. 6 election. The winner will replace Ken Blevins, who will leave office after serving one two-year term.

The League of Women Voters forum also featured the candidates for county clerk, incumbent Sharon Brooks and challenger Debbie Johnson, a former deputy county clerk and office manager.

When all four candidates were asked what challenges they expect to face during the next term, both Coomer and Guthrie placed top priority on tackling the internal discord — some of it leading to grievances and even lawsuits — that developed in the circuit clerk’s office over the past two years.

The candidates offered sharply contrasting solutions.

Coomer, saying her first goal is to “get a team built,” said one option is to ask everyone for their resignation.

“There would be a three- to six-month probation period, where people can decide if they want to be a part of the team and continue working here,” said Coomer, a Republican. “I don’t want to lose good employees.”

Guthrie, who has worked in the circuit clerk’s office for 14 years, said she anticipates some “serious redirection” is in order.

“A lot of people have been there many years, and some might have done things in the past two years that they would never have done before,” said Guthrie, a Democrat. “Once we get back in place the structure that was there before, with rules to follow, I think that’ll stop some of the backbiting. … I think the problem will take care of itself.”

Asked why they chose to run for elective office, Guthrie and Coomer referred to the internal issues as a factor.

Coomer said she works as a liaison between the circuit clerk’s office and the circuit judges, so she has a good working knowledge of the department and the need for teamwork.

“When I saw the turn of events last spring, that cog thrown into the works … I had people ask me if I would run, and I saw the need,” Coomer said.

Guthrie said she, too, was asked several times if she would consider running, and sometimes the queries were from “surprising sources, for me.”

“There was a point, after seeing this happen, that I thought if I was going to do anything to benefit the county … I would have to do it myself,” Guthrie said.

Coomer said she expects to lead by example to restore a strong work ethic.

“When people come to work, you want them to be glad to be there, and willing to do a good job,” she said. “When there’s no leadership, people get lazy. They take extra breaks, they come in late. … We need to get everybody working together.”

Guthrie said she plans to meet and talk with each person in the office early on.

“I want to get an idea who is willing to stay and recapture the order and enthusiasm for the job. People do have a negative feeling about coming in to work every morning,” she said.

After the forum, Coomer told the Times Record the resignation idea is not set in stone, but it is an option because Sebastian County is an at-will employer. She wouldn’t necessarily accept a resignation tendered, and employees who tender a resignation but stay on would not lose their benefits, she said.

Guthrie, who has worked in the circuit clerk’s office for 14 years, said she knows the employees more intimately than her opponent and she is confident in her approach to resolving the internal problems.

Brooks and Johnson, asked why they chose to run for county clerk, both cited a love of public service and the work itself.

“I’m passionate about working in the clerk’s office,” said Johnson, a Democrat. “I enjoyed working with the public during my 11 years there.”

Brooks, a veteran county employee serving her first term in elective office, said she has enjoyed the last two years working with people.

“I love being a public servant, I love being a steward,” said Brooks, a Republican.

When asked what changes they might make in office, Johnson said she would evaluate the staff and make certain the county clerk’s office is providing accurate information. Brooks said she has a great staff, tells everyone they’re great and she won’t make any changes.

All four candidates agreed they think the races for county clerk and circuit clerk should be nonpartisan because the offices do nothing political and are there to serve everyone in the county.

Early voting began Monday; the general election is Nov. 6.

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